Kelly Manning

State Director

Kelly Manning oversees the operational management, strategic planning and financial planning of the Colorado SBDC Network, a $3.5 million federal- and state-funded program. Under Manning's leadership and ability to manage change, the Colorado SBDC has successfully increased the assistance of jobs created/retained by 800 percent; increased capital formation obtained by clients by 275 percent; and increased the return on investment by more than 50 percent, proving the successfulness of Manning's ability to align her continually changing goals with statewide strategies.

Since Manning started with the Colorado SBDC in 2000, she has successfully moved the SBDC network to a performance-based program while implementing numerous initiatives to assist the growing needs of small business entrepreneurs, including programs, conferences and training for veterans, women, emerging industries and creative businesses.

Manning attended New Hampshire College School of Business and obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration. She also holds a master's degree in communication with a certificate in dispute resolution from the University of Denver.